Synthesis of Ethyl Levulinate, a Perspective Biocomponent of Motor Fuels

Abstract:

In this work the importance of levulinic acid obtained from lignocellulosic biomass, as a feedstock for the production of 2nd generation biofuels, was presented. One of the derivatives of levulinic acid, having physicochemical properties appropriate for biofuels is ethyl levulinate. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of this ester in an autoclave (temperature, reaction time) were determined. The reaction product was separated from the post-reaction mixture by simple distillation and its purity was determined using gas chromatography. Under optimal conditions the yield of ethyl levulinate was 74% and its purity after distillation was 96,87% (m/m).

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 797)
• Pages: 357-362
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.797.357
• Online since: November 2015
• Authors: Andrzej Frankiewicz*, Marcin Przedlacki, Katarzyna Janecka
• Keywords: Biodiesel, Biofuels, Ethyl Levulinate, Levulinic Acid

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